"I'm in Tokyo, and this is some kind of movie star comeback system?!"

A week has passed since the costume fitting photoshoot, and the crew is now operating at full speed.

After a period of adjustment, the chemistry between the lead actors has improved significantly, and the filming schedule has noticeably accelerated.

"Okay, passed!"

"Get ready for the next match!"

As soon as Kiyoshi Nishimura gave the instruction, the actor quickly left the set after the shot ended, and the makeup artist immediately stepped forward to touch up his makeup.

The production crew led a group to remove the props and assist with the scene transition.

"Sakamoto-kun, Hiroshi Tate, come here for a second!"

Kiyoshi Nishimura, holding the script, waved to the two of them.

The two people who were waiting nearby immediately stepped forward. Kiyoshi Nishimura took the script, briefly went through the scene with them, and carefully reminded them of the precautions for camera positions and shots.

"This scene is quite difficult, so be prepared to reshoot it."

Kiyoshi Nishimura pointed to the scenes between the two characters in the script and added, "This is the scene you were rehearsing on the day of the reading. The lines should be fine. The key is to get the atmosphere right."

Sakamoto Yu and Guan Bo listened intently.

"As you all know, there aren't many lines in this scene, but the core is to portray the tension between the two people's differing views."

"Besides the lines, details like expressions and presence are also crucial..."

Just then, the assistant director (AD) strode over and interrupted Kiyoshi Nishimura:

"Supervisor, the overhead light on Sakamoto's side is a bit unstable; it dimmed for a moment. Should we check it?"

Upon hearing this, Kiyoshi Nishimura glanced up and scanned the lights.

The lights were bright, and there was nothing obviously wrong, so I waved my hand:

"It's okay, it's not a dangerous problem like an electrical leak, so it's fine. Let's hurry up and film it."

The assistant supervisor nodded and left.

As he spoke, Kiyoshi Nishimura continued to explain the scene to the two actors.

At this moment, the art director has already begun to arrange manpower to set up props on set.

Two black sedans, their front ends parallel, meet and exchange information—a classic setup.

The passenger and driver's side windows were rolled down.

The curtain, backdrop, view outside the window, and scenery are all ready...

Before long, AD waved to signal that the scene was ready.

Kiyoshi Nishimura nodded, then patted Yu Sakamoto and Hiroshi Tate on the shoulder, signaling them to go on stage.

Sakamoto Yu and the museum arrived at their designated locations.

The lighting technicians and camera operators are in position.

Kiyoshi Nishimura picked up the walkie-talkie and stared at the monitor screen:

"All departments, prepare—Go!"

Hiroshi Tate, who plays Toshiki Takayama, rests his hands on the steering wheel, stares straight ahead, and has a serious expression.

He spoke in a low voice: "How did things go?"

Sakamoto Yu quickly got into character, portraying a young gang leader who leaned back against a car headrest.

His prominent Adam's apple was visible, and he gazed idly into the distance.

Lazy and casual, as relaxed as chatting with a stranger:

"Where is what I asked for?"

"Things?" Guan Bo's eyes narrowed.

"Your men assaulted a witness, and I can't stand up for you."

His voice gradually rose in pitch, becoming more resonant:

"Using violence to coerce witnesses is a violation of the law!"

He slammed his fist on the steering wheel, making a dull thud.

"You know that's illegal!?"

Faced with such compelling acting, Sakamoto Yu accepted it all without showing any fear.

He raised an eyebrow, as if he had heard a funny joke.

"Law?" he scoffed.

As the smile faded, he slowly composed himself.

"Do you think I became a team leader at such a young age because of the law?"

He raised his eyelids, his gaze suddenly turned sharp, and his entire demeanor changed instantly.

From absolute relaxation, it transforms into a venomous snake, waiting for its chance to strike:

"The police follow the law, we follow the rules. You keep your badge, I have my methods."

As he spoke, he slowly turned his head, his eyes fixed on the museum as if looking at a dead man, and whispered:

"The dog, lie down right now..."

...

"That's amazing..." Atsuko Asano clenched the hem of her clothes.

She stood behind the monitor and watched the whole thing, completely stunned.

With eyes fixed intently, they were irresistibly drawn to the performance.

Shibata Kyohei crossed his arms, leaned forward unconsciously, and his eyes gleamed.

For a drama fanatic like him, seeing such a smooth and engaging performance was a true pleasure.

Such a high-level, high-intensity acting duel is truly rare.

Not only did the performance captivate the audience, but all the staff watching were also deeply engrossed in it.

The scene was the same as when we read it together.

Everyone held their breath, not wanting any movement to interrupt the performance.

Nakamura Toru was resting after filming when he saw this scene. No matter how dissatisfied he was, he couldn't muster any enthusiasm.

Sakamoto Yu has been playing steadily these past few days, but that's just normal. However, today's performance clearly exceeded his highest level.

Watching that incredibly smooth acting, he felt a tightness in his chest.

I was the one who should have received the newcomer award.

......well.

All the words I wanted to say have been reduced to a sigh.

However, just when everyone thought the scene could be filmed in one take...

Kiyoshi Nishimura suddenly spoke:

"All departments, get ready. One more take."

These words were spoken.

Asano Atsuko, Shibata Kyohei and others looked at the director in confusion.

Nakamura Toru, who had been looking dejected, suddenly looked up.

Is there still a chance for things to turn around?

At this moment, Sakamoto Yu and Guan Bo had already gotten out of the car.

Both of them thought the previous take went smoothly, but then they suddenly heard the director's words, exchanged a glance, and were both a little confused.

Sakamoto Yu wanted to go forward and check the surveillance footage, but he didn't move a step.

As a newcomer, even if you are appreciated by your seniors, you dare not overstep your bounds.

The monitor area is a restricted zone for the director, cinematographer, and AD designer; they cannot approach it without permission.

I had no choice but to silently walk to the side and wait for the director to summon me.

Guan Bo is the main lead actor and one of the two male leads.

His status is second only to the director.

He has the right to enter the surveillance area.

"Supervisor, could you please let me double-check if there's a problem with the recording?"

Guan Bo didn't think there was anything wrong with the two actors' acting skills.

Upon hearing this, everyone assumed it was a technical malfunction.

"It's not a technical problem." Kiyoshi Nishimura shook his head.

"It's not exactly a problem with acting skills... I can't really explain it, it just feels like it's not quite there yet."

Kiyoshi Nishimura frowned, trying to grasp the fleeting thought that crossed his mind.

He waved his hand:

"You all go back to your positions first, then we'll do one more."

As he spoke, he picked up the walkie-talkie and said, "All departments, return to your positions."

Two minutes later, Kiyoshi Nishimura called for a halt again.

"Change the lighting to side lighting, and reset the AD converter for the scene!"

Sakamoto Yu and Guan Bo looked at each other, both at a loss, and had no choice but to go on stage again.

Ten minutes later.

"No! Sakamoto-kun, you're holding back too much!"

"One more time!"

"Mr. Museum, put on a more imposing presence."

"Again!"

"Adjust the car window angle to let in more light!"

Asano and Shibata Kyohei stood behind the monitor, frowning as they watched Nishimura Kiyoshi struggle with his actions again and again.

But there was nothing they could do.

Among the entire crew, Kiyoshi Nishimura is undoubtedly a senior figure.

They don't have the guts to point fingers.

Nakamura Toru, on the contrary, was happy to see this happen.

However, given the serious and tense atmosphere at the scene, he, as a junior, dared not reveal his true emotions.

In the Showa era entertainment industry, outward etiquette was highly valued. If someone was caught being dishonest, they would be criticized for "bad character and lack of manners" and would be permanently banned.

He could only stand in the corner, his face expressionless, but his eyes held a barely perceptible expectation.

"Sakamoto, you've finally met your match."

By this time, Kiyoshi Nishimura had filmed the scene four times, but still felt something was off.

I felt there was a lack of oppressive atmosphere in the lighting, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Just then, the lights on the ceiling that were responsible for the Sakamoto Valley suddenly flickered and then went out with a "bang".